Highways England have confirmed that the final repairs to a damaged manhole cover on the A47 are set to take place sometime next week requiring the closure of the eastbound carriageway.

Motorists endured a whole day of delays on Thursday when a damaged manhole cover, near to the Easton roundabout, blocked the eastbound carriageway leaving traffic having to take turns to travel along the busy route.

The carriageway was closed for over 12 hours and eventually reopened at 9.30pm when a temporary fix was put in place.

However, drivers could end up with similar delays next week as a spokesperson for Highways England confirmed that contractors for BT, the company responsible for the manhole cover, are set to carry out a permanent repair.

A date and time has not been confirmed but it is understood that the eastbound carriageway will have to be closed again and temporary traffic lights will be installed to allow traffic to flow alternately.

The highways spokesperson added: “The repairs are likely to take place mid-morning through to early afternoon. But other circumstances may change this.”